Success Stories By Dick Kazan - Valuable lessons on how to succeed in business and in life
Entertaining and compelling real-life stories with valuable
lessons on how to succeed in business and in life.
The author is successful business, real estate, and media entrepreneur Dick Kazan.
Published on November 28, 2006

Is there too much stress in your life?

If so, please join me on a brief journey.

Last August, I was in Vancouver and walked in Stanley Park, a vast wonderland of trees some as tall as 10 story buildings. And from the trees came the joyful sound of chirping birds.

Vancouver is on the ocean front in western Canada and Stanley Park is along the natural harbor leading into the city. It is a place of peace in the middle of intense activity.

As I walked in the warm sunshine, the air was laden with the scent of pine trees. Along the path was a line of Hydrangeas one after the next, 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide blooming in cascades of purple flowers, like grapes hanging from a vine.

A bit further along were 10 feet tall sunflower trees blooming in flowers that looked like basketball size golden yellow daisies. Around them were bouquets of flowers three feet tall, blooming in reds and yellows and purples and whites.

Fluttering from flower to flower were butterflies with orange wings trimmed in black that appeared to be like little sparks igniting the cloudless blue sky.

As I came to a harbor inlet, the blue water lapped in ripples on to a white sand beach. Above the inlet was a polished natural wood park bench and it had a tiny bronze plaque.

The plaque read, “Every year I come from Singapore to this Heavenly place for the fresh air and park view [.] I love birds, flowers and ocean. Please sit and enjoy…from an 88 year old YOUNG MAN YEN-PING KOK.”

As I looked at this magnificent setting, I realized Mr. Yen-Ping Kok had found something special, something you and I could enjoy whenever we choose, wherever we are, every day of the year.

We don’t have to be in Vancouver in the summertime to witness this beauty.

For a moment each day, separate yourself from the demands on your time. Find a quiet place where you can sit comfortably. Weather permitting, sit outside and feel the warmth of the sun, a gentle breeze and let it fill your imagination with all the magic it has to offer.

If the weather doesn’t permit, then bring a book of pictures that are like the scenes I’ve described to you today. Or other scenes that make Yosemite or the fjords of Norway or an old New England village come alive for you.

Let it transport you to a place of beauty and peace.

Or thumb the pages of a book of photos of the great impressionist paintings of Monet, Cezanne, Van Gogh and others from a century ago and let them take you to another time, another place.

If there is a garden nearby with flowers in bloom, take a moment to inhale the perfumed scents and enjoy the many colors. My favorite is the Double Delight rose with its creamy white pedals trimmed in candy apple red.

If it’s winter time, watch the little white snowflakes drift from the sky, each one unique. Or listen to the sheets of rain hitting your windowsill, as they cleanse your building and feed the earth.

Or notice the clouds float by in clusters of white and if you can time it right, watch the sun as it sets in shades of orange that streak the darkening sky.

In a brief time each of these wonders could capture your imagination and help you to relieve your stress.

Success Tip of the Week: For a moment each day take a peaceful journey. You’ll return refreshed and be ready to more joyfully tackle whatever challenges you choose.

In the next KazanToday: An element of human psychology that could make you more persuasive and more successful.

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Many of these short stories are about people from all walks of life who overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles to achieve remarkable results. These stories contain practical advice and a recipe for success for each of these renowned individuals. Some of their stories may help you to avoid some of the costly and time consuming mistakes that many of us make in life and at work. Learn from some of history's greatest winners on how to become a winner yourself, no matter what the obstacle, and no matter how daunting the task before you may seem. Good luck!
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